New Service 11 in North East Lincolnshire, plus the 12 back to Waltham

Stagecoach's service changes in North East Lincolnshire on 21st July included one new route - service 11 between Grimsby Riverhead Exchange and Waltham via Littlefield Lane, the Grange Estate, Laceby Road Morrisons and Bradley Road. The 11 operates hourly Monday to Saturday daytimes and incorporates the 12's previous hourly off peak 'short' journeys between Grimsby, Littlefield Lane, the Grange Estate and Bradley Park; co-ordination between the 11 and 12 ensures continued provision of a half hourly off peak frequency on the shared section of route.

There is a lot to like about the 11. Unlike the 12 it operates at peak times, providing a new peak time service for Littlefield Lane and the majority of the Grange Estate not served by the 8. Littlefield Lane, the Grange Estate and Waltham gain new links to Morrisons. The tiny Bradley village gains a service, as does the care home on Bradley Road (which going by Stagecoach and North East Lincolnshire Council publicity seems to be a key driver behind the 11). Bradley Park has lost out with a reduced frequency on the 12, but the 3 operates close by.

Talking off the 12 between Bradley Park, Grimsby, Cleethorpes and New Waltham, the remaining journeys are extended to Waltham again, not just at the start and end of the day, but all day for the first time in a number of years. This provides not only a local link from Waltham to New Waltham, but a direct route from Waltham to Hewitts Circus Tesco and Cleethorpes that doesn't involve going via Grimsby. A very welcome improvement to the bus network.

These changes have received Bus Service Improvement Plan funding.